Efficacy of silver needle therapy for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Background Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) troubles approximately 30% of people worldwide. Silver needle therapy (SNT) is a treatment method to relieve soft tissue through heating. Therefore, this study aimed observe the effects SNT on CNSLBP. Methods In study, 100 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: silver (SN) group and control ( n = 50). SN group, received physiotherapy, while physiotherapy alone in group. At 6-month follow-up, numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form 12 quality life (SF-12), natural logarithms low-frequency measurement (InLF), high-frequency (InHF) heart rate variability (HRV) recorded. Results both groups, NRS, ODI, SF-12 scores, HRV at weeks after improved maintained for 6 months. Compared with more significant improvements observed NRS scores 1, 2, 3, months ODI 1 P < 0.05). However, there was no difference between groups 3 InLF InHF higher than those Conclusions relieved autonomic nerve activity, especially parasympathetic nerve, CNSLBP, without serious complications. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Registry No. ChiCTR-OOC-17013237 . Registered November 11, 2017.